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Where To Watch Holiday Movies In Houston

Posted on December 26, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025

City Cast Houston Staff

People enjoy watching a movie on the rooftop, with tall Black buildings in the background.

Enjoy a view of the Houston skyline and watch a movie over the holidays. (Brooke Lewis/City Cast Houston)

One of my favorite pastimes during the holidays is to cozy up on my couch and watch a movie. In honor of that tradition, I’ve rounded up my favorite movies showing around Houston this week.

Sleepless In Seattle

I’m a huge Meg Ryan fan, so this movie, following her and Tom Hanks, is easily one of my favorites. The movie starts at Christmastime, when Meg Ryan hears Tom Hanks’ son pleading on the radio for his Dad to meet someone special after his mom passed away. Could Meg Ryan be that special lady? This movie has it all: hilarious quips from Rosie O’Donnell, beautiful scenes shot in Seattle and New York, and a plot that would make any die-hard romantic swoon. Watch a special showing of it with a view of Houston’s skyline Thursday night at Rooftop Cinema Club. If you can’t make the showing, stream it on Amazon Prime.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

This Tim Burton classic is perfect for those looking for a non-traditional holiday movie. Pumpkin King Jack Skellington is hoping to spread the joy of Christmas, but his mission puts Santa in jeopardy when he kidnaps him and tries to take over his role. So, how will the Pumpkin King’s holiday adventure turn out? Grab the whole family for a screening of this on Thursday night at Discovery Green. If you can’t make it in person, stream it on Disney Plus.

Up

Even though Up is technically not a holiday movie, it’ll still make you feel all warm and fuzzy. This Pixar movie, which follows 78-year-old balloon salesman, Carl Fredricksen, is heartfelt, poignant, and hilarious. Bring Kleenex for that montage at the start of the movie because it gets me every time. The Museum of Fine Arts is showing it on Wednesday afternoon, and again on Friday. Watch it on Disney Plus for that warm and fuzzy feeling at home.

The Polar Express

The Marriott Marquis has been showing holiday movies all season long on their rooftop by their Texas-shaped pool. If you missed out, check out their last showing of “The Polar Express” on Thursday night. I love this holiday classic film because it reminds me of my childhood and makes me crave hot chocolate. If you want to cozy up on your couch instead, stream it on HBO Max.

When Harry Met Sally

This is my all-time favorite Meg Ryan movie! If you’ve ever wondered if guys and girls can just be friends, then this film strives to answer that burning question. This is the perfect film to ring in 2024, because of that iconic ending scene that takes place on New Year’s Eve. Alamo Drafthouse in Katy is hosting a brunch-themed movie watch on New Year’s Eve. If you want to stay at home in your pajamas and watch, then stream it on Amazon Prime.

As you can tell, Houston’s movie theater scene is unmatched! If you want to visit a new theater over the holidays, we have a list of amazing movie theaters that don’t get enough attention.

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